Ascend Canada announces new President and Board Chair

January 22, 2026 – Toronto: Ascend Canada is pleased to announce the appointments of Andrew Kwong as President of Ascend Canada and Kathleen Butterfield as Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026.

Long-standing Board members and accomplished executives, Andrew and Kathleen bring deep governance experience, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to advancing Ascend Canada’s mission. Their appointments signal a strong step forward as Ascend Canada enters its next phase of growth, strengthening its national impact and reinforcing its position as one of Canada’s leading professional organizations serving more than 30 corporate sponsors and over 6,000 members in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

The Board of Directors would also like to acknowledge and thank Alexander Peh, outgoing President, for his exceptional leadership and advocacy over the last several years. His advocacy and contributions have left an indelible mark on the advancement of pan-Asian talent across corporate Canada.

“On behalf of the Board, our Sponsors and Members, we would like to thank Alex for his leadership. We appreciate his years of service and the impact he has had on the organization and community,” Kathleen Butterfield, Board Chair

Andrew is Lead Client Service Partner and Advisory Partner at Deloitte, where he helps clients manage risks, governance, and compliance programs with a focus to modernize their control environment and compliance initiatives through emerging technology. In addition to his work with Ascend Canada, Andrew volunteers at CPA Canada on the Audit and Assurance Technology Committee, serves as an Honourary Chair for the Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Foundation Walk to Conquer Cancer, and co-led a medical team to Mully Children’s Family in Kenya, Africa.

Kathleen is General Counsel – Loyalty at Air Canada, where she is responsible for providing strategic business and legal advice to the Loyalty functions at Air Canada, including Aeroplan. Before joining Air Canada, Kathleen was a partner at a prominent Bay Street law firm where she earned recognition from legal directories, including IFLR 1000 and as a Stand Out Lawyer by Thomson Reuters. Prior to joining Ascend Canada, Kathleen was a Board member with the Scott Mission.

“It is a privilege to have been appointed President. I am continually inspired by the dedication of our members and volunteers, and my experiences with Ascend Canada have reinforced what it means to serve as Volunteer-in-Chief, working closely with our sponsors and volunteer leaders to deliver meaningful programs and initiatives that create impact for our community,” Andrew Kwong, President, Ascend Canada.

“It is an exciting time for Ascend Canada. We have experienced tremendous growth across our three regional Chapters and are poised to continue our growth and impact.  I am proud to be part of this organization which strives to elevate its members and equip them with tools to help them reach their full potential,” Kathleen Butterfield, Board Chair, Ascend Canada.